While PPM continues to move forward with additional automation in the form of pallet changers to convert existing 5 Axis machining centers into independent high-volume 5-axis robotic manufacturing cells, our engineering team was searching for next steps in our automation strategy. To that end, as we strive to be a world-class manufacturer, our team suggested R & D into Smart Machine Monitoring. The goal of this project is to maximize performance and add significant productivity to the automation cell. Introducing Factory Wiz to monitor PPMs OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness), Phillips will improve and further automate its scheduling and planning efforts by eliminating manual reporting.
“Phillips continues to embrace innovation and automation to meet the needs of our OEMs. Smart Machine Monitoring is a big step in the final frontier in LEAN manufacturing and LEAN accounting “, said John Phillips, President, Implants and Instrumentation Division.
The initiative was launched by loading the Factory Wiz software in twelve 5-axis automated machining centers. The platform monitors these assets and returns a wealth of live data to make real-time decisions keeping the cell running and running efficiently. Things such as productivity reports, idle reason tracking, preventative maintenance, the status of equipment at a glance are just some of the benefits. This real-time data will help us fully track and better understand the performance and productivity of each individual machining center.
Technician training is in progress, and our teams are excited. They view the system as a powerful and valuable tool to improve performance. The system is expected to increase productivity and will be expanded to other machine resources across the entire manufacturing floor in the fourth quarter of 2021 and into 2022.
After more than 50 years in manufacturing, our staff’s enthusiasm, talent and culture have positively affected the quality of the service we provide to our OEM partners.